IBM Drags Elearning and Process Management into Portal

IBM has introduced new software for its WebSphere Portal to speed up the development of online training programs and to automate key business processes.

Called “Accelerators” the new software is provided as an optional add-on to WebSphere Portal 6 environments.

The Learning Accelerator allows customers to offer remote training and other educational projects via IBM’s Lotus Quickr and Lotus Sametime Web Conferencing software. The software includes a personalized online training program and tools for managing courses and distributing e-learning content.

Additionally, the new Business Process Accelerator can also automate business processes through integration of data and e-forms scattered across multiple sources as integrated task workflows. The software also builds on IBM’s Lotus Forms Server and interfaces with other IBM process management products like WebSphere Business Modeler, FileNet Business Process Manager and WebSphere Process Server.

The two new Accelerators are the latest in growing line being developed by IBM since April. Others are available for human resources, dashboard development, team-based collaboration, website management and content management.

The accelerators are sold separately, or the whole set purchased as part of a WebSphere Portal deal. The Learning Accelerator costs $36 per user while the Business Process Accelerator starts at $515 and $400, as part of WebSphere Portal Server and Lotus Forms Server respectively.